The Offering of the Gentiles: Paul's Collection for Jerusalem in Its Chronological, Cultural, and Cultic Contexts

By David J. Downs and Associate Professor of New Testament Studies David J Downs

The monetary fund that the apostle Paul organized among his Gentile congregations for the Jewish-Christian community in Jerusalem was clearly an important endeavor to Paul; discussion of it occupies several prominent passages in his letters. In this book David Downs carefully investigates that offering from historical, sociocultural, and theological standpoints.

Downs first pieces together a chronological account of Paul's fund-raising efforts on behalf of the Jerusalem church, based primarily on information from the Pauline epistles. He then examines the sociocultural context of the collection, including gift-giving practices in the ancient Mediterranean world relating to benefaction and care for the poor. Finally, Downs explores how Paul framed this contribution rhetorically as a religious offering consecrated to God.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802873138
• ISBN13: 9780802873132
• Release Date: May 2016
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.9"